The U.S. Open’s Bold Gambit: Reinvigorating Mixed Doubles
The U.S. Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season, is poised to revolutionize its format with a series of groundbreaking changes aimed at elevating the status of mixed doubles. This audacious move has sparked both anticipation and skepticism within the tennis community.
The Driving Force: A Quest for Star Power
The primary motivation behind these alterations is to entice higher-ranked singles players to participate in mixed doubles. Historically, mixed doubles has been relegated to the sidelines, lacking the star power and buzz that accompany singles and doubles matches.
But when renowned singles players join the fray, as evidenced by the standing-room-only crowds that flocked to watch Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa at the 2022 U.S. Open, the interest in mixed doubles becomes palpable.
The USTA’s Rationale
As USTA executive director Lew Sherr explains, mixed doubles offers a unique spectacle where top-flight athletes of both genders compete head-to-head on an equal footing. This dynamic is absent from other professional sports.
However, the intersection of the WTA and ATP tours is limited to Grand Slams and select 1000-level events. Even at these tournaments, mixed doubles is often marginalized due to scheduling constraints and court availability.
The Grand Slam Dilemma
At Grand Slams, top players typically prioritize singles or doubles, rarely venturing into all three events. The physical demands of playing multiple sets, especially for men competing in best-of-five matches in singles, are simply too taxing.
Moreover, players who enter mixed doubles sometimes withdraw as they advance in singles. This occurred in 2022 when Emma Raducanu, citing a wrist injury, pulled out of her planned partnership with Andy Murray at Wimbledon.
The U.S. Open’s Solution
To address these challenges, the U.S. Open is implementing the following changes:
- Mixed doubles will be played on the same day as the singles semifinals, ensuring that all players are still on-site and available.
- Mixed doubles will be played on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament’s most prestigious court, showcasing the event to a wider audience.
- Mixed doubles teams will be seeded based on the combined rankings of their players, enticing top singles stars to participate.
- Mixed doubles prize money will increase significantly, providing a greater financial incentive for players.
Detractors and Doubters
While these changes have garnered excitement from some quarters, they have also drawn criticism from doubles specialists who fear being shut out of Grand Slam title opportunities.
Former doubles No. 1 Paul McNamee contends that the U.S. Open will no longer produce legitimate mixed doubles winners, devaluing the event from a Grand Slam title to an exhibition.
The USTA’s Goal: Growing the Game
Despite these critiques, the USTA remains convinced that mixed doubles can be a catalyst for growth and innovation in the sport. By incentivizing top players to participate, the tournament hopes to transform mixed doubles from a mere sideshow into a headline attraction.
The potential financial rewards and prestige associated with mixed doubles could entice rising stars andestablished champions alike to embrace the event. This would not only elevate the profile of mixed doubles but also attract new fans and generate revenue for the tournament.
The Proof Is in the Pudding
History has shown that mixed doubles can captivate audiences when the right players are involved. The USTA’s gamble is based on the belief that by reimagining the format and increasing the incentives, they can create a spectacle that will draw massive crowds and leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Time will tell whether the U.S. Open’s bold initiative will succeed in fulfilling its ambitious goals. But one thing is certain: the tournament is determined to shake up the established order and reignite the passion for mixed doubles.
